Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Pastoral Power, Clerical State is an unrelenting display of scholarly excellence, rigorous analysis, and fluid precise prose. It not only advances our understanding of Pentecostal pastoral power and authority but also makes significant contributions to the study of rule and legitimacy in twenty-first-century African societies.” —Nimi Wariboko, author of The Pentecostal Hypothesis
"In this highly stimulating and thought-provoking book, Ebenezer Obadare discusses the rise and all encompassing prominence of the Nigerian Pentecostal pastor. Obadare’s brilliantly written book provides a unique and original contribution to the understanding of the key role of the pastor when explaining the rise and influence of Pentecostalism in contemporary Nigeria and Africa." —Karen Lauterbach, author of Christianity, Wealth, and Spiritual Power in Ghana
“Informed by an authoritative interdisciplinary social science analysis, critical reading of Africanist scholarship, wealth of eclectic primary source materials, and superior knowledge of Nigerian politics and society, Pastoral Power, Clerical State further underscores the crucial place of Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement in African religious and political studies. This exceptional book is intellectually sophisticated, analytically rigorous, and very well written.” —Olufemi Vaughan, author of Religion and the Making of Nigeria
"In his second book focused on the rising popularity of the faith, Obadare argues that Pentecostal preachers have become figures of national authority and prestige, exercising more influence over Nigerian society and politics." —Foreign Affairs
* Foreign Affairs *
"Pastoral Power, Clerical State advances the ongoing debate on the significance and role of Pentecostalism in Africa. It will appeal to those interested in Pentecostal discourses and how they offer metaphysical interpretations that explain why prevailing socioeconomic and political conditions regarding poverty and underdevelopment exist in Africa." —Reading Religion
* Reading Religion *
"An interesting and important addition to the relatively limited literature on contemporary religion and politics, including democracy, in Africa." —Democratization
* Democratization *
"Obadare has done a service to scholars of global Christianity, African politics, gender studies, journalism and media, and religion and politics—all of whom will profit/prophet from engagement with this volume in their scholarship and courses."—Journal of Church and State
"Advancing a bold argument and offering the kind of original insights that one has come to expect from Obadare’s scholarship, Pastoral Power, Clerical State combines page-turning storytelling, a sophisticated rendering of relevant literature, and astute analysis. The book is provocative and smart, as well as well written." — Journal of Religion in Africa
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Apprehending a Ubiquitous Subject
1. The Social Origins of Clerical Power in Nigeria
2. The Pastor as Political Entrepreneur
3. Erotic Pentecostalism: the Pastor as Sexual Object
4. When Women Rebel
5. Conclusion: Rule by Prodigy
